The SA National Water Polo Championship is taking place in Durban until Sunday at Northwood School, Durban Girls’ College and Reddam House Umhlanga
Image: World Aquatics
Durban is this weekend hosting the Bombela Concession Company SA National Water Polo Championships with under-18 and under-16 athletes eager to impress national selectors.
The under-16 tournament will take place at Northwood School and Durban Girls' College, while the under-18s will go head-to-head at Reddam House, Umhlanga.
With senior national teams dedicating their energies towards the upcoming Water Polo World Cup in April, this event has been reimagined as a prime opportunity for young players to demonstrate their skills in anticipation of the world championships scheduled later this year.
From today until Sunday, the tournament will adopt a unique approach, with individual player entries resulting in the creation of balanced teams that will compete in a round-robin format.
This format not only enhances competitiveness but also allows young athletes to acclimatise to new teammates and strategies. Throughout the weekend, under-18 players will also undergo essential fitness and mobility assessments, further preparing them for higher levels of competition.
At the end of the championships, 14 of the top under-18 players, alongside several reserves, will earn their spots in the World Aquatics Under-18 World Championships.
The men’s tournament will take place in Portugal from June 27 to 4 July, while the women will compete in Spain from August 16 to 23.
For the under-16 hopefuls, 30 to 32 players will be selected for a final camp in May before heading to Croatia, where the women’s championships will be held from July 25 to 31 and the men’s from 3 to 9 August.
Masi Namba, head coach of the national women’s under-16 team, said the format gives her the exciting opportunity to coach players she wouldn’t normally work with.
"Because it’s a unique structure, my approach is to keep things simple and clear while focusing on aspects of the game that can bring out each player’s strengths.
"Since these nationals also serve as trials, it’s important that players remember this is a team sport. Everyone needs to do their role while also showcasing their individual skills and talents. Teamwork is absolutely essential in water polo,” said Namba.
She said investing in these players was essential for the continued development and growth of water polo in the country.
"It’s important for both the players and their parents to see that we are committed to creating opportunities and clear, good structures for young athletes to grow, compete, and reach their potential.
“I hope they leave with a sense of confidence in themselves and a deeper love for the sport. Opportunities like this allow players to meet new teammates, learn from different coaches, and challenge themselves in a new environment. And obviously, the chance to represent their country at the biggest competition in the world," said Namba.
Alan Fritz, president of Swimming South Africa, said the championship remains one of the most important events on their national water polo calendar.
"It celebrates the dedication, skill, and competitive spirit that continue to strengthen the sport across South Africa, while providing athletes with an important platform to showcase their abilities and progress toward higher levels of representation.
"As a federation, we remain firmly committed to building strong development pathways and ensuring that the athlete remains at the centre of everything we do. With major international opportunities on the horizon, including the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028, it is essential that we work collectively to create a unified system that allows South African athletes to compete with confidence on the global stage," said Fritz.
Chad Ho, president of KZN Aquatics, said it was a pleasure to host teams from across the country, and he was delighted to bring together athletes who share a passion for the sport.
"This tournament provides an important platform for competitive water polo, while also celebrating the values of teamwork, respect and sportsmanship that define our game," said Ho.